I don't think this is the right thread for that question and sadly I don't know the answer. But I would recommend that you speak to a good immigration lawyer ASAP. They do charge a fair bit, but it may be a price worth paying. I came here on a temp work permit with a 19yr-old son as well, and know how traumatic the whole process is. You didn't need this on top of it all!

If you want to discuss anything further, start a new thread in the main section of the forum.

Jim,
New on here and newly looking into emigrating to Ca. We're looking specifically at Toronto/GTA, so you are perfectly placed for brain-picking (hurrah!).
We have 3 kids (we also have 2 dogs, but this question is about the kids), aged 13, 8 and 1. I would love to know what the 'best' public schools are. Now, I know that the term 'best' can be subjective, and trust me, I have been trying to figure it out for myself, but the education board just doesn't seem to have the same level of information that I am used to.
In the UK, we have league tables, which show how well as school is doing academically. We also have OFSTED reports, which ascertain how well the school is being managed, teaching quality and the level of pastoral care. Is there anything like this in Ca?
I have come across various websites offering school guides - for a price. I just find it hard to believe that this information is freely available.
Any help - as well as your top 5 schools (for each age range) would be greatly appreciated.
EXTRA INFO: we are looking at public (not private) schools in the first instance. Preferably non-denomination. I won't be working, so no need for nursery info.
Thanks in advance,
Emma

First of all, welcome to the forum .... you'll also note I'm not called Jim; Jim stood down as forum lead a few months ago so you may get more response to questions posting in the general forum.

On to your specific questions... asking for school recommendations in the GTA is like asking for the best public schools in a city the size of London! Yes there are tables in the public domain that give comparisons between schools - the one I'm aware of is published by the Fraser Institute.

What stage have you reached with your emigration plans? If you're only just starting you may be in for wait of several years yet. Have a look at www.cic.gc.ca to find which route suits you best.

Just enquiring..we have 2 cats and a dog..have been informed by friends that our 2 cats will not be allowed out of our house when we emigrate to Canada...is this true? I cant believe thay are made to stay inside

Just enquiring..we have 2 cats and a dog..have been informed by friends that our 2 cats will not be allowed out of our house when we emigrate to Canada...is this true? I cant believe thay are made to stay inside

Hi Lorraine,

Sorry for the delay in replying, but first things first, welcome to the forum!

Will your cats be allowed outside? The short answer it depends on where you're going to be living. In the town where I live in Ontario, cats are allowed out as long as they are on a leash of some sort and are not free to roam - also, you need to consider the fact that Canada's climate, geography and indigenous wildlife are totally different to those with which you are familiar ... to be blunt, there's a real chance that free-roaming cats could become a tasty snack for the local wildlife (wolves, coyotes, fishers, etc) that are not routinely encountered in the UK. Of course, the species that you encounter will be determined by where you live - in the city, you're not likely to see these creatures, however, in the city you probably wouldn;t want to allow cats to roam free either.

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